moelrath



Feb. 19, 1924; Re. A15,769

l w. w. MCELRATH, JR

INTERNAL CIOMBUSTION ENGINE Original Filed Sept. '7 1917 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 2 I y fnvewtogz MM2/QM hl" atlouwws Feb. 19, 1924; Re. 15,769

W. W. MCELRATH, JR

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed Sept.l 1917 wij 4.147,

W6 Simms Reisaued Feb. 19, 1924.

", UNTED STATES Re.-15,769 PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM-w. ncELnn'rn, an., or Eas'r mroan, VIRGINIA, assIaNon rro .Tonno iroroacolrraiar; or Tamron, NEW JERSEY, a conPona'rIoN or NEW cansar.

INTEBNLCOMBUSTION ENGINE.

originarse. `1,a1a,1co, dateeoctobcr ai, ma, serial no. 19o,224aia september v, 1917. Application Io'r reissue lled December 14, 1920. Serial No. 430,752.

To all whomz'tmy concern Be it known that WILLIAM W. McEmA'rII, Jr., of 'East Radford, `county of Montgomery, State of Virginia', has invented an Improvement in Internal-Combustion Engines, of which the following description, in conf nection with the accompanying drawings, is as cification. y invention relates to improvements in l internal combustion engines, and has pari ticular reference to such apparatus embodying a recprocatory engine and a rotary engine or turbine, combined in a novel manner, for .the production ofv a rime mover ll having` the maximum` degree o eiiiciency.

fAs is well known, the ordinary internal combustion engine of the reciprocatory type is not eicient in a big degree, as-it only converts into useful ener about fifteen to $0 twenty per cent of the total amount of en- Vergy supplied thereto, by the ignition of the fuel. 'About thirty to thirty-eight per centof this energy remains in the heated exhaust ga'se sfwhiclr are ordinarily exhausted to the atmosphere.

It is thus apparent that the-eiliciency of such an engine could be greatly increased, 'if the energy present in the exhaust. gases could be utilized. Attempts have heretofoie been madel to utilize the energy contained in the exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, but auch attempts have not 'proven satisfactory, owing -to the fact that a certain degree of back pressure is developed in the exhaust' pipe of the engine, thus pre- Vventinga proper scavenging of the roducts of combustion rom the cylinders o the engine, and to the fact that back pressure is developed in the cylinders, at or about the time that a vfresh charge' of'fuel should be drawn therein, whereby a proper intake of the fuel is prevented. An important object of the invention 'is to provide a prime mover ofthe-'above men- 4' tioned character, which is adapted to employ a' liquidor gaseous fuel, or a mixture whereof. A further object of, the invention'is to provide aprirne mover lof the aboveimen- '5 tioned character, which will "operate with y the maximum degree 'of silence.

A 'further' object of the 'invention is to provide a' prime mover 'having means for 'introducinga ysuitable charge of fuel' into each cylinder at various Speeds and under all conditions lof operation. l

A Yfurther object of the invention is. to provide a prime mover of the-above mentioned character, which is adapted to develop a maximum degree of horse power, is light, comparatively simple in construction., and has its parts arranged in a highlycompact and convenient manner.

A` further objectl of the invention is to provide a prime mover of the above .mentioned character, which is extremely high in flexibility and acceleration, for the weight per horse wer;

A further object of the invention is to prolvide a prime mover of the above mentioned character, which is particularly we ll adapt- -ed for use in connection with power umts,

which are operated under full load, such asin the aviation field, the submarinemotorboat, generator sets, hydro-aeroplane, and the like.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent durlng the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings, formin a part of this speciicatlon, and in whIc like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same,

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a prime mover embodying myfin'v'ention,

Fig. 2 is an 'end elevation of the same,- IFig. 3 is a side elevation of a prime mover embodying a lslightly dferent form of the invention,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of an inertia pipe or conduit,

5 is a side elevationI of ai .rotary blower or fan,

Fig. 6 is an edge elevation yof the same,l lFi 7 isa side elevation of the rotatable element of the fan or blower,

Fig. 8 is a sideelevation of parts ofthe turbine, as viewed from line 8- 8 of Fig. 10, and looking to the left,

Fig. 9 is' a similar view of the other ",rtion or half .of Athe turbine, vlewed romx line 8 8 lof Fig. 10,.,and looking `to the right,

Fig throughthe turbine,

Fig. 11 is aside elevationof the wheel or rotor of the turbine,

Fig. 12 1s a transversesectional view of Fig.- 1 1'and -10- is a transverse vsectional view Fig. 13 is an enlarged Section, partly diagrammatic, showing the ports in the stationary blocks, and their relation to the vanes or blades of the wheel or rotor.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, the numeral 15 designates a cylinder casting or block, or an interna-1 combustion engine having six cylin ders, while this number may be varied, if desired. In the forms of engines shown in `igs.` 1, 2, 3 and 4, there are six exhaust Vpipes 16, which lead into the cylinders, and

- case 18'is a turbine 21, comprising casing sections 22 and 23, which are rigidly secured together at 24. The casing section 23 may be rigidly secured to the crank case 18, by

any suitable means. This turbine comprises a rotatable wheel or rotor 25, shown more clearly in Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13. The rotor 25 has a hubr 26, arranged upon the crank shaft 19. This crank shaft has a flange 27 rigidlysecured thereto, and attached. to the rotor 25 by bolts 28. The

rotor `25 is provided at its periphery with` a plurality of concave-convex blades 29, inclosed in a ring 30. The rotor is arranged within the turbine casing and is disposed to operate between a plurality of spaced blocksections 31 and 32. The block sections 31 are held stationary within the casing section 22, at a oint near its periphery, and thev block-sectlons 32 are held stationary within the casing section 22, at a point near its periphery. The block-sections 31 and 32 are thus arranged in oppositely disposed airs, upon opposite sides of the rotor 25.

ach block-section 31 is provided with an inlet port33, passing through the inner and outer faces thereof, and angularly arranged, to properly discharge the gas to or between the blades 29. Each block-section 32 is provided with an approximately U-shaped re verseport 34, passing-through the inner face of the block-section alone, and adapted for the reception of the exhaust of gas from the blades 29, which gas has been supplied thereto from the inlet port 33. The reverse port 34 has its outlet end arranged'tol discharge gasto or between the blades'u29, and this gas discharges from the blades into the in- Y take end of avreverse port 35, formed-in the block-section31. The outlet end of this reverse port discharges the gas to or between the blades 29, and this gas passes into the turbine casing, and throughIl the exhaust thereof to be described. It is thus apparent that the V exhaust gases, while passing through these ports, will be expanded to reduce their pressure. The velocity of the gasesfserves to drive the rotor. The turbine casing has an exhaust pipe 22', which leads into the same between the block-sections.

As more clearly shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 10, the casing section 22 is provided with an annular inlet conduit 36, which has communication with the ports 33. One branch of the inertia pipe 17 is connected with and leads into the annular inlet conduit 36', as shown at 37. It is thus apparent that thc exhaust from the cylinders will be supplied to the conduit 36 and then to the interior of the turbine.

The function of the inertia pipe 17 is to provide means whereby the exhaust gases will travel therein at a high velocity, and this travel of the exhaust 4through the same will create a high degree of suction within .the exhaust pipes 16, whereby the cylinders of the engine will be completely scavenged prior to the inlet of the fresh charge of fuel thereto. It is thus apparent that the introduction of the fuel into the cylinders will be materially aided.

In the form of the engine shown in Fig. 1, I provide a rotatable fan or blower 38. (See Figs. 5, 6 and 7). This blower comprises a casing 39, having an outlet 40, which in Fig. 1 is connected-with the upper or short arm of the inertia pipe 17. Arranged within the casing 39 is a rotatable fan 41` carried by a shaft 42. This fan is adapted to draw in air through openings 43, and discharge the same through the outlet 40.

The shaft 42 is driven by a small gear 44, engaged and driven by a large gear 45, receiving its rotation from a small gear 46. This small gear is driven by a large gear 47, carried by the cam shaft 48 of the engine, to be driven thereby. It is thus apparent that speed increasing gearing is employed to connect the shaft 42 with the cam shaft 48. Other suitable means may be employed to drive the blower.

`In, Fig. 3, the blower 38 is omitted, and the'end of the upper arm of the inertia pipe 17 is closed,.or the inertia pipe vmay be eliminated and any jsuitable form of exhaust manifold used. In this form of engine I employ a blower 49, similar to the blower 38. The outlet pipe 50 of this blower is connected with the intake manifold 51v of the engine between the carbureter and engine, and thus serves to accelerate the introduction of the fresh charge into'the cylinders of the engine. The blower 49 has av rotatable fan which is driven :by a shaft 52, in

y, operation of the, apparatus is as fol-V by it creates ya suction vin the exhaust pipes- 16, at or after'the intake stroke vof ,the cylindersp'hasbegun, thereby thoroughly scavengingthe'same. The fan or blower 38 discharginginto 'the intake 4end ofthe inertia pipe-increases thehigh velocity ofthe exhausty therein. y

In Fig. 3, the fan or blower 49 is connected with the intake manifold of the engine, between it and the carbureter. As soon as the intake'valves of the cylinders open,"this blower will force'the fresh charge into the same. `The 'exhaust passes through the inertia pipe or exhaust manifold and `entersothe annular*supplywconduit 36 of the turbine. This exhaust then passes through the inlet ports 33 and between the blades 29 of the rotor;l 'l`he gas then' passes through the ports'l 34, betweenthe blades 29, the ports 352 -`between the blades 29, Vand into the turbine casing,` for vdischarge through its exhaust.v

It is thus vapparent tha-tthe exhaust will serve to drive the rotor. A'During this operation. the exhaust 'is ex anded wherebyfits pressure is reduced, and back pressure avoided. j When the exhaust discharges to the atmosphere through the turbine exhaust it is found to be below or' a-t atmospheric pressure. i

It is to be understood that the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred"examplesI of the same, and that various changes inthe shape, size, and arrangement of parts, may be resorted to, without'departing from the spirit of m invention, or the scope of the sub- In the claims the word blower is used to desi ate anyI means for accelerating the flow o fluid as distinguished from compressing the fluid passing through it; that is, for increasing the velocity ofthe iluidppassing into the inlet manifold without much increase in' the pressure of the fluid at the outlet of the blower over that at the inlet.

I claim the following as myvinvention:

1. A combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprising power cylinders having exhaust ports and pistons, a crank shaft operatively connected to said pistons, a turbine rotormounted -on said shaft, an inertia pipe for conveying exhaust gas to extending in the direction of travel therein whereby a partial vacuum is produced with in said cylinders by the -inertiafof 'exhaust gases passing through said exhaust pipe, and' means for injecting fluid under pressure into the enterin end of said inertia pipe in the direction o the flow of the exhaust gases therethrough to vfacilitate the removal of spent gases from said exhaust pipes.

2. eA l`combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprisin power cylinders having ex aust` ports an v pistons, a crank shaft operatively connected torsaid pistons, a sectional casin a turbinerotor mounted on said' shaft an arranged between the sections of said casing, an annular inlet conduit carried by said casing and having communi'- cation with the interiorthereof, an inertia pipe for conveying exhaust gases to said conduit whereby said gases are directed upon said rotor, exhaust pipes connecting the exhaust ports of said cylinders with said inertia pipe, the exhaust pi es being angularly disposed withy respect to t e inertia pipe and extendingy in the direction of travel therein' wherebyv a" artial vacuum is produced within said cylinders, by the inertia of exhaust gases passing through said exhaust pipe, and means forl injecting fluid under pressure into the entering end of said inertia pipe in the directioni of the flow of the exhaust gases therethrough to facilitate the removal of spent gases from said exhaust pipes.

3. A combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprising power .cylinders having exhaust poi-ts and pistons, a crank shaft operatively connected to said pistons, a sectional casing, a turbine rotor mounted on said shaft and arranged-between the sections ofl said casing, an annular inlet conduit car-l ried by said casing and having communication with the interior thereof, an inertia pipe for conveyin exhaust gases to said conduit whereby 'said gases are directed upon said rotor, exhaust pipes connecting the exhaust ports of said cylinders with said inertia pi the exhaust pipes being angularly disposede with respect to the inertia i and extending in the direction of trave t eren whereby a partial vacuum is produced within said cylinders by the inertia of exhaust gases passing through said exhaust pipe, and

` a blower connected to the entering end of said rotor, exhaust pipes connecting the ex.

haust rts of said cylinders with said inertia pipe, the exhaust pipes being angularl'y ,disposed with respect to the inertia pipe and said inertia pipe for injecting air. currents- .haust pi es, said blower being' operatively 120 into the inertia pipe in the directionl of the flow of exhaust gases therethrough lto facilitate the removal of spent gases from said exconnecte with the crank shaft of t e engine.' 125 4. A combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprising wer cylinders having exhaust ports, a tur ine, an inertia pi adapted to convey the exhaust gas to said turbine, exhaust pipes connecting the `ex 130 haust ports of said cylinders with said'inertia pipe, the exhaust pipes being angularly dispose with respect to the inertia pi e and extending in the direction of trave t erein whereby a partial vacuum is produced within said cylinders by the inertia of exhaust gases passing through said inertia pipe,and means for in]ecting iluid under pressure into the entering end of said inertia pipe in the direction of the How of the exhaust gases therethrough to facilitate the removal of spent gases from said cylinders.

5. A combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprising power cylinders having exhaust ports, a sectional casing, a rotor mounted within the said casing on a shaft, an annular inlet conduit integral with said casing and having communication with the interior thereof; an inertia pipe adapted to convey exhaust gases to said conduit whereby said gases are directed upon-said rotor, exhaust pipes connecting the exhaust ports of said cyllnders with said inertia pipe, the exhaust pipes being angularly disposed with respect to the inertia pipe and extending in the direction of travel therein, whereby a artial vacuum is produced within said cylmders by the inertia of exhaust gases passing through said inertia pipe, and means for injecting fluidunder pressure into the entering end-'of' said inertia pipe in the direction of ioW of the exhaust gases therethrough to facilitate the removal of spent gases from4 said cylinders. l p l 6. A combined reciprocating rotary explosive engine comprising power cylinders having exhaust ports, a sectional casing, a rotor arranged between the sectionsof the casing, and mounted on a shaft therein, an annular inlet conduit carried by said casing and having communication with the interior thereof,

an inertia pipe for conveying exhaust gases to said conduit whereby said gases are directed upon said rotor, exhaust ipes connecting the exhaust ports of saidp cylinders with said inertia pipe, the exhaust pipes being angularly disposed with respect to the inertia pipe and extending in the direction of travel therein whereby a` partial vacuum is produced withinsaid cylinders by the inertia of exhaust gases passing through said inertia pipe, and a pressure blower connected to the entering end of said inertia pi for injecting air into the inertia pipe in t e direction of flow of exhaust gases therethrough to facilitate the removal of spent Vgases from said cylinders, said blower being operatively driven for the purpose described.

7. An internal combustion engine of the character described having ower cylinders, means for scavenging the ex aust gases from said power cylinders comprising a blower rotated at a speed proportlonal to the s eed of the engine, anda fluid pressure tur ine arranged to operate on said exhaust gases to increase the eiiciency and power output of 

